perfect breakaway day for some of the riders with talent but without huge time trial capability-joaquin rodriquez, valjavec, popovych, cunego, soler & garzelli-to get back in the race. these guys are all 3+ minutes back. i'd include cioni & bruseghin but both are bruising, powerful riders that both have a chance
to win the time trial and in bruseghin's case, a chance to get back in the overall. cunego would likely have
to go with a pretty powerful breakaway group as i don't think the peleton would let him go unchecked just yet.
love him or hate him, you gotta be impressed with di luca's power & tactical acumen. he clearly knows his strengths & limitations and is seizing every opportunity to pad his lead. if he's still within a
minute and a half of the maglia rosa going up the blockhaus climb on stage 17, he'll be a podium finisher.

Lance looked great leading the group for quite a bit of camera time. He seems to be getting stronger as the race goes on,

Indeed he did, and does. Maybe he'd be up to be a top 10 finished for the Tour after all - but I'm not convinced that's his goal though. Still don't see him being able to whoop Levi or Contador though.

Nice to see Astana finally stretch their legs a little today as a team. LA is looking better and with Horner now absent Levi will welcome any help he can provide. Farrar had a good second place and would love to see him pick up a win. Columbia are are proving to be the team of the tour and with Rogers at striking distance to take the pink in the TT it may only get better for them.